From left, Amway volunteer has fun with Caledonia Kindercare preschooler Ellilta Kahsay and her new shoes
Multiple Districts — Elementary students chose brand-new shoes for school, walking, running and hopping away with smiles, thanks to the Grand Rapids-based nonprofit In the Image.
The organization, at 4255 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, which connects people with resources including clothing, basic necessities and transportation, has offered the Shoes Help Our Elementary Students (SHOES) program for 27 years. The donation-based program was open to Kent County students in grades pre-kindergarten through five, who came by appointment with their parent or guardian.
The donation center is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Photos by Dianne Caroll Burdick
Amway volunteer Beth Zuke helps Head Start preschooler Naila Twibamire try on new shoesLowell Bushnell Elementary kindergartner Gabriel Patterson, left, waits his turn while his sister, Cherry Creek third-grader Caleb, tries on shoes with the help of volunteer Peter Emerson, who is also their grandfather
Grandville East Elementary first-grader Louie Sheick wiggles around with his new shoes
Grandville South Elementary kindergartner Cole Denniston, left, and his brother, first-grader Zane, try out their new shoes
Dutton Christian School first-grader Peter Piang hops following a fitting with Amway volunteer Brian Mulder, as mom Cing San Nuam looks on
Amway volunteer Lavina Pereia measures the feet of Southwest Kelloggsville Elementary first-grader La’mari LoveStudents got to choose from a variety of shoes and styles
Erin Albanese is managing editor and reporter, covering Kentwood, Lowell and Wyoming. She was one of the original SNN staff writers, helping launch the site in 2013, and enjoys fulfilling the mission of sharing the stories of public education. She has worked as a journalist in the Grand Rapids area since 2000. A graduate of Central Michigan University, she has written for The Grand Rapids Press, Advance Newspapers, On-the-Town Magazine and Group Tour Media.
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